Highlights of the Week: Minke Whales and Fin Whales

The smallest of the rorquals may be a little baleen whale, but that doesn’t keep them from making marathon migrations every year. These cetaceans spend the winter in the Caribbean before returning along the east coast of the US. Their return to the St. Lawrence, which often begins as early as late March, generally marks the arrival of spring and the start of the whale-watching season for enthusiasts and naturalists.

Several minke whales have been seen over the past week. This species, often overshadowed by its larger cousins, is in fact every bit as remarkable and fascinating. A regular visitor to the area vividly describes her minke whale sighting: “It was swimming back and forth in front of the rocks near the pilots’ wharf in Les Escoumins, under the pretty hues of the setting sun. It was awesome!” The weather was so calm we could even hear it breathe.” Two minke whales were also reported near Franquelin. As for fin whales, at least three individuals were seen near Les Escoumins, while five were reported near Franquelin.

Belugas in Saint-Irénée, contracting ice in the Gaspé

A local resident is delighted by the presence of belugas in recent weeks in her part of ​​L’Anse-au-Sac near Saint-Irénée. The number of individuals passing through has varied from three to more than seven. In any case, these spring sightings are more than welcome.

In the Gaspé, one observer hasn’t spotted a single whale, even though there’s been plenty of action bird-wise: “Northern gannets are back, as are harlequins and razorbills. Gaspé Bay is now completely open, and the ice is breaking up in Anse aux Cousins.”

Thanks to all our collaborators!

Special thanks go out to all our observers who share their love for marine mammals with us! Your encounters with cetaceans and pinnipeds are always a pleasure to read and discover.

On the water or from shore, it is your eyes that give life to this column.